CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 6:16 Or don't you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/6-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/46_1Co_06_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 6:16 - Members of Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Or don't you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, The two will become one flesh." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/6-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/6-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm" title="1 Corinthians 6:15">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 6:16 <a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm" title="1 Corinthians 6:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/6.htm">New International Version</a> Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, &#8220The two will become one flesh.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Or do you not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, "The two will become into one flesh." <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/6.htm">King James Bible</a> What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, &#8220THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO WILL BECOME ONE FLESH.” <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.” <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Don&#8217t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Don't you know that a man who does that becomes part of her body? The Scriptures say, "The two of them will be like one person." <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't you realize that the person who unites himself with a prostitute becomes one body with her? God says, "The two will be one." <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, "The two will become one body." <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> You know that the person who unites himself with a prostitute becomes one body with her, don't you? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Don?t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ?The two will become one flesh.? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Or do you not know that anyone who is united with a prostitute is one body with her? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For he says, "The two will become one flesh." <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> What? know ye not that he who is joined to a harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or do you not know that a man who has to do with a prostitute is one with her in body? For God says, "The two shall become one." <a href="/web/1_corinthians/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, “The two”, he says, “will become one flesh.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Have you not known that he who is joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, “The two will be into one flesh.” <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Or do you not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, "The two will become into one flesh." <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> have ye not known that he who is joined to the harlot is one body? 'for they shall be -- saith He -- the two for one flesh.' <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Or know ye not that he joined to a harlot is one body? for they shall be, he says, they two into one flesh.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Or know you not, that he who is joined to a harlot, is made one body ? For they shall be, saith he, two in one flesh. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And do you not know that whoever is joined to a harlot becomes one body? “For the two,” he said, “shall be as one flesh.” <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/6.htm">New American Bible</a> [Or] do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For “the two,” it says, “will become one flesh.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Or do you not know that he who joins his body to a harlot is one body with her? For it is said, The two shall become one body. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Do you not know that whoever cleaves to a harlot is one body, for it is said, “They will both be one body.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Know you not that he that is joined to a harlot, is one body? For the two, says the scripture, shall be one flesh. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Do you not know that he who is joined to the harlot is one body? for it says, They two shall be one flesh. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Do you not know that he that is joined to an harlot is one body with her? For they two, saith he, shall be ?one flesh.?<RX 1.2.24> <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> it cannot be, why, don't you perceive, that where there is such an attachment, they are but as one person? for the scripture says, "they two shall be as one." <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or do you not know that a man who has to do with a prostitute is one with her in body? For God says, "The two shall become one." <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Or know ye not that he who is united to the harlot is one body? For, "the two", He saith, "shall be one flesh"; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> God forbid! What! know ye not that he who is joined to an harlot is one body with her? for these two, saith he, shall be one flesh. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1109" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/6.htm">Members of Christ</a> …15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16<a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">Or</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">don’t you know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">he who</a> <a href="/greek/2853.htm" title="2853: kollōmenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- From kolla; to glue, i.e. to stick.">unites himself</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4204.htm" title="4204: pornē (N-DFS) -- A prostitute; met: an idolatrous community. Feminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.">with a prostitute</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-NNS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one with her</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-NNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">in body?</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: phēsin (V-PIA-3S) -- To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.">it is said,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">“The</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-NMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Esontai (V-FIM-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will become</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: mian (Adj-AFS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh.”</a> 17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. <a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5</a> and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31</a> “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” <a href="/mark/10-8.htm">Mark 10:8</a> and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. <a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Genesis 34:2-3</a> When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. / And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a> He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a> Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2</a> For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Malachi 2:15</a> Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Matthew 5:32</a> But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/deuteronomy/22-28.htm">Deuteronomy 22:28-29</a> If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-4</a> For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, <a href="/leviticus/18-20.htm">Leviticus 18:20</a> You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her. <a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Exodus 22:16</a> If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm">1 Corinthians 7:2</a> But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>What? know you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, said he, shall be one flesh.an harlot.<a href="/genesis/34-31.htm">Genesis 34:31</a> And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?<a href="/genesis/38-15.htm">Genesis 38:15,24</a> When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face… <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Judges 16:1</a> Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.for.<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.<a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5,6</a> And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? … <a href="/mark/10-8.htm">Mark 10:8</a> And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/luke/15-2.htm">Joins</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/mark/15-38.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">Unites</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">Joins</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Twain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm">Unites</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 6</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">The Corinthians must take their brothers to court;</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-6.htm">especially under infidels.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">The wicked shall not inherit the kingdom of God.</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Our bodies are the members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit: </a> 19. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">they must not therefore be defiled.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? This phrase addresses the issue of sexual immorality, specifically the act of joining with a prostitute. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its rampant immorality and the presence of temple prostitution, this warning is particularly poignant. The phrase "unites himself" implies a deep, physical connection that goes beyond a mere transaction. The concept of becoming "one with her in body" highlights the spiritual and physical union that occurs during sexual intercourse, which is meant to be reserved for the sanctity of marriage. This teaching aligns with the biblical understanding of sexual purity and the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a>). The warning serves as a reminder of the consequences of sexual sin, which not only affects the individual but also defiles the body, which is meant to honor God.For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” This phrase is a direct reference to <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>, where God establishes the institution of marriage. The "one flesh" union is a divine ordinance that signifies the complete and exclusive union between a husband and wife. By invoking this scripture, Paul emphasizes the sacredness of the marital bond and the profound mystery of two becoming one. This union is not merely physical but also emotional and spiritual, reflecting the unity and intimacy intended by God. The misuse of this union through illicit relationships, such as with a prostitute, distorts and devalues the divine purpose of marriage. This teaching also foreshadows the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-32</a>, where the marital union is a type of the greater spiritual union between Christ and His bride. The call to purity and fidelity in marriage is a reflection of the covenantal faithfulness that God desires with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance and correction on moral and spiritual issues. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> A diverse and often troubled early Christian community in Corinth, known for its struggles with immorality and division. 3. <a href="/topical/p/prostitutes.htm">Prostitutes</a> In the context of Corinth, prostitution was a common practice, often linked to pagan worship and societal norms. 4. <a href="/topical/g/genesis_reference.htm">Genesis Reference</a> Paul references <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>, where the concept of "one flesh" is first introduced in the context of marriage. 5. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and moral challenges, including widespread sexual immorality.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_the_body.htm">The Sanctity of the Body</a> Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must honor God with them by avoiding sexual immorality. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_intimacy.htm">Unity and Intimacy</a> Sexual relations create a profound unity, intended for the covenant of marriage, reflecting God's design. <a href="/topical/m/moral_purity.htm">Moral Purity</a> Christians are called to live counter-culturally, resisting societal norms that contradict biblical teachings on sexuality. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_implications.htm">Spiritual Implications</a> Engaging in sexual immorality affects not only the body but also one's spiritual relationship with God. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> There is grace and forgiveness for those who have fallen into sexual sin, and God offers restoration through repentance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 6</a> <a href="/q/where_can_the_holy_spirit_be_found.htm">What does 'porneia' mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_life's_purpose.htm">What is the biblical view on marriage?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_john's_bethabara_baptism_important.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying an alcoholic?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'one_flesh'_mean_in_marriage.htm">What does "one flesh" in marriage signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) What?--As if some one might question and resent the strength of the previous words, and wish them "watered down." "Do you not know that my strong assertion is true? It is not merely my statement; it is to be found in the Old Testament, 'Two shall be one flesh.'" This was originally (<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm" title="Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.">Genesis 2:24</a>) applied to marriage, as showing the intimacy of that sacred union, but here St. Paul applies it to one aspect of a union which, in one respect, was identical with marriage. Of course the other parts of the Apostle's argument do not apply to marriage, the union being a sacred one; two becoming one flesh in marriage is no degradation of a member of Christ--nay, it is a sacred illustration of the complete unity of Christ and His body the Church. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-29.htm" title="For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.">1Corinthians 11:29</a>, and Notes there.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - What, know ye not, etc.? The clause is used to explain and justify the strong expression which he had used in the previous verse. It involves an argument against the sin which is the most original and impressive which could have been used. To this passage especially is due the tone taken by Christians as to these sins, which differed so totally from that taken by heathen. They two. The words do not occur in <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>, but are always so quoted in the New Testament (<a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5</a>; <a href="/mark/10-8.htm">Mark 10:8</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31</a>). Saith he. This is a vague Jewish formula of quotation, adopted to avoid the needless introduction of the sacred Name. "He" is "God" in Scripture. Shall be one flesh; rather, shall become. This appeal to <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> (<a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Matthew 19:5</a>) is equivalent to the rule that no intercourse between the sexes is free from sin except under the sanction of marriage. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. don’t you know οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. unites himself κολλώμενος (kollōmenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2853.htm">Strong's 2853: </a> From kolla; to glue, i.e. to stick. with a prostitute πόρνῃ (pornē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4204.htm">Strong's 4204: </a> A prostitute; met: an idolatrous community. Feminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. one [with her] ἓν (hen) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. in body? σῶμά (sōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. For γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. it is said, φησίν (phēsin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. “The Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. will become Ἔσονται (Esontai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. one μίαν (mian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. flesh.” σάρκα (sarka) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 6:16 Or don't you know that he who (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 6:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 6:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 6:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 6:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>